“A lot.” He gives me a knowing look. “How the hell did you girls end up with so much shit?”
“Talk to Savannah. She’s the one who’s been planning this day since we were twelve.” I laugh, leaning into his touch when he leans down to kiss the side of my head.
“Well, she’s lucky my scholarship also covers housing, otherwise she’d be moving into this apartment alone and you’d be living with me.”
Savannah and I both got into Seattle University. It was my top pick to begin with, but knowing Zayden got a full scholarship to the University of Washington, it made the whole thing that much sweeter. Who knew my bad boy fighter was also a straight A scholar? He’s a man who’s full of surprises.
Zayden’s dorm is less than twenty minutes from my apartment and we’re still close enough to home that he’s able to see Danielle whenever he wants, so it works out really well. After receiving her lung transplant in June, Dani’s been doing really well, but I know Zayden still worries about her. It gives him peace of mind being so close.
“Don’t tell her this, but I think I’d much rather live with you,” I tell him, crinkling my nose as I knock my hip into his.
“Probably better that you don’t—I don’t think we’d ever leave our bedroom.” He wraps an arm around me and squeezes my hip.
He’s not wrong. Six months together and we still can’t keep our hands off each other.
“Speaking of which.” I turn, wrapping my arms around his neck. “My bed is finally up.” I lean up, trailing kisses from his jaw all the way to his mouth. “I think I’ve earned a break,” I mumble against his lips.
Leaning forward, Zayden grabs my backside, hoisting me up moments later. My legs wrap around his waist, pressing down onto his already rock-hard erection.
“You definitely deserve a break,” he agrees, sliding his tongue against
mine.
Like it does every time Zayden kisses me, my entire body ignites. Heat starts at my neck and slowly creeps down my torso, warming me from the inside out.
One of Zayden’s hands tangles in my hair, while the other presses to the small of my back, holding me in place as he devours my mouth.
Unfortunately, before we can go any further, we hear a throat clear behind us. Zayden groans against my lips before pulling back to look over my shoulder.
“You realize the fucking door is open,” Oliver says, laughter in his voice.
“That doesn’t give you permission to just walk the fuck in,” Zayden fires back. “Asshole.”
“Yeah, hello to you, too.” Oliver throws Zayden a playful middle finger. “Hey, sis.” He nods when we lock gazes.
“Oliver.” I nod, not nearly as embarrassed as I should be having been caught in such a compromising position. Oliver has seen worse. He’s also exploited worse. Thank goodness those days are far behind us.
It’s been a long and rocky road, but Zayden and Oliver have finally gotten back to a version of normalcy. Zayden still hasn’t fully forgiven Oliver, but he’s trying to move past it. We all are.
I tap Zayden and wiggle, indicating I want him to put me down. He gives me a dissatisfied look, like it’s the last thing he wants to do, but he eventually lowers me to my feet.
“I brought the rest of your stuff from the house. Your mom also sent a couple boxes of kitchen stuff she thought you might need.”
“More boxes,” Zayden grumbles, giving me an exasperated look. “At this rate you won’t have room to move around. This apartment isn’t that big.”
“Oh stop.” I swat playfully at his chest as I step past him. “Thank you for bringing them,” I tell Oliver.
“No big deal. I’ve got some shit to run to my dorm while I’m at it. Figured I’d just swing this stuff by on my way.”
Oliver is also attending Seattle University, but unlike Savannah and me, he decided to live on campus in the dorms. Honestly, I think it’s the best thing for him. Oliver thrives in that type of environment. I have no doubt he’s going to have the time of his life living in a co-ed dorm.
“I’ll help you bring it up.” Zayden steps past me, his hand purposely brushing my ass.
I smile at him but don’t comment.
“Be right back.” He winks, sauntering off toward the door, Oliver right on his heels.
I shake my head and laugh. That man….